Lydd Airportrunway workgoes to tender

The airport has been working with Capita, part of the design team for London’s £14.8 billion Crossrail transport scheme, in preparing and designing the 294-metre runway extension, plus a 150-metre starter extension.

An announcement about the successful contractor will be made in the coming months, with construction of the extension due to start later this year.

The airport has been busy fulfilling the planning conditions attached to its consent for a runway extension and a new terminal which was granted in 2013.

Airport Chief Executive Charles Buchanan said: “Issuing the tenders is a major step forward for our multi-million-pound project that will see the runway extended and ultimately a new terminal built.

“This will give a significant boost to our ambitions, increasing the airport’s operational capabilities and attracting more aviation-related businesses.

“London Ashford Airport is the perfect base for airline operators. Our runway extension will enable regional jet aircraft to fly a full payload of passengers to a wider range of destinations across Europe. We are also providing much-needed additional airport capacity in the South East of England.

“We offer easy access to the motorway network, just 20 minutes to Ashford which also has a high-speed rail link that gets you into central London in just 38 minutes.”

The airport has spent £35 million upgrading facilities over the past decade, including the installation of a state-of-the-art instrument landing system, a new executive terminal with VIP facilities, improved passenger check-in and security, and a new departure lounge.